Can a prior conviction be used against you?

Can a prior conviction be used against you? The answer is it depends.

Can a prior conviction be used against you in a criminal case? In the case of United States v Carter decided in March, 2015, the United States District Court held that a prior conviction for distributing the drug suboxone was not probative of an intent to manufacture methampetamine and could not be used to discredit Mr. Carter. The prosecutor’s intent was to show that Mr. Carter distributed drugs previously, so it is likely he is guilty of manufacturing meth. The court decided that the prior conviction was an entirely unrelated thing and was not admissible. Mr. Carter’s conviction was reversed.

The Federal and Michigan Courts have an evidence rule (404B) that allows for the use of prior convictions against a defendant under certain circumstances in order to challenge the defendant’s credibility. Interpreting this evidence rule can give the “average” attorney nightmares. This is why you should NEVER use an “average” attorney when your freedom is at stake. Finding the right lawyer is not like finding the cheapest pair of shoes. “You get what you pay for” is never more true when hiring an attorney. You want an attorney that is experienced, highly respected, always prepared, aggressive and passionate about you and your case.

Michigan Criminal Defense Attorneys who are not afraid to win.

Can a prior conviction be used against you? If the attorneys at LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. have anything to say about it the answer is NO!! LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. takes great pride in fighting for our clients and protecting them from governmental abuses. The prosecutors and police will pull out all the stops and tricks to charge you with a crime and/or convict you. This is why you need a savvy, experienced, poised and passionate advocate in your corner. Police and prosecutor’s respect the attorneys of LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. However, they do not enjoy seeing our attorneys on the other side of the courtroom against them. Our attorneys come prepared and come to win. If you have any questions or are facing criminal charges, call the law firm of LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. at (248) 263-6800 for help or complete a Request for Assistance Form and one of our top notch attorneys will call you.